To Each Their Own

This weekend I received my first sunburn of the spring/summer and quickly realized that 1.) I should be wearing more sunscreen, and 2.) it was time to jump on TETO to discuss the trends for the upcoming sunshine.

If you haven’t noticed already, color is everywhere.  From colorful patterns mixed together, to outfits created through use of color blocking, it seems that this summer will be one of the brightest we have seen. 

Being a gal that tends to dress like Wednesday Adams, this is something I am ready to embrace…for the summer at least.  Below are a few ways to add a little color to your life while taking in the sunshine, fresh-cut grass, and dinners on the patio.

1.) Color Blocking

You will see this everywhere this summer.  Color blocking is creating just that, blocks of color throughout your outfit.  From Gucci to H&M this summer trend is everywhere, and one that works for all budgets. 

image courtest of gucci.com

image courtest of instyle.com

image courtesy of anthropologie.com

Keep in mind that color blocking is for the gal who is ready to embrace our summer of color to the fullest.  Below are a few ideas for some baby-steppers  like me.

2.) Color Patterns

For those of us who are ready to color block just yet, grab a pattern based around bright colors and add to your wardrobe as an add-on to any summer outfit.  This will allow you to rock the color, but ensure you don’t feel out of your element.

Throw on your favorite pair of jeans/jean shorts and this cute blazer below and you’ll be bringing some color to the party.

image courtesy of toryburch.com

 Brunch with the gals? Grab your favorite jean jacket, white cardi, or pair of nude flats and throw on this summertime skirt.  This will do just the trick to ease you into the color.

image courtesy of katespadelookbook.com

 And finally, for those who are still a bit nervous about these bright colors, below are a few options for adding some color to your life bit-by-bit.

3.) Color Makeup

Try Dolce & Gabbana’s new nail color in Shocking. This fuchsia is bright, bold, and just the splash of color you need to step outside of your comfort zone.

image coutesy of dolce&gabana.com

image courtesy of perfumezilla.com

And we are back.  After months of changes, it’s time to wipe the dust off, log back in, and get our “summertime” on.

During this break, I know that both sis and I have missed our blog writing terribly.  Writing our entries gives us a chance to talk with each other numerous times a day, immerse ourselves in fashion magazines, blogs and tweets, and step outside of our day-to-day routine to write about something we adore.

You see, since our hiatus began, so many things have happened.  Sis got engaged to a wonderful Irishman and is up to her ears in wedding planning.  She also recently became Assistant Editor at one of Chicago’s incredible luxury magazines. She is running around the Windy City and living her dream.  It has been amazing to watch.  On the other hand, I left my 5-year corporate routine and made the leap of faith to follow my heart.  Now working retail, at the bottom of the totem pole, I can now say that I have never been happier professionally and my outlook on my “dream accomplishing”  possibilities seems endless and optimistic.  With moves on our minds, and “next steps” being the topic of most of our conversations, our sweet To Each Their Own fell by the wayside.  But as the snow melts (for some) and the days seem longer, it only seemed right to log back into the place where we talk about just one thing…fashion.

So, as I listen to The Shins with hopes that you are still there, I am calling my sis to discuss the topic of our next post. 

Sigh…I am happy to be back already.

-Kate

picture courtest of hubpages

Page through the September issues of Vogue or W, peep the manicures in any glossy advertisement, and you’ll notice that last year’s goth-esque black polish has taken a back seat to more subtly muted colors such as olive green and charcoal grey.

While black polish will always have a place in our rotation (there’s something exciting to about wearing an item everyday that was always reserved for Halloween), we’re drooling over this season’s grey offerings. From gunmetal to charcoal to ash to everything in between, this shade is the go-to hue for manicures this fall.

Our pick? MAC’s Nightfall. It’s long-lasting, and the perfect shade to complement an outfit without completely diverting attention from it.

Image courtesy of maccosmetics.com

Scoop it up now, and enjoy!

–Molly

After a much needed summer vacay, Sis and I are back and ready for cool weather, falling leaves, and most importantly, fall fashion!  We couldn’t be happier with what we are seeing. While we loved this summer’s playful mini dresses, sequins, jean shorts, and sandals, we are craving chunky sweaters, knee-high boots, tights and scarves. (Must be the Minnesota in us!)

That said, for the next week or so, TETO is going to feature a few of our favorite fall trends, piece by piece. We hope you like them as much as we do!

Our first fall must-have? The Leather Jacket.

From deep blacks leather with zippers galore, to yummy chocolate brown suede, these jackets will not only keep you warm from the crisp fall air, but they’re the perfect accent to any ensemble. Pair em’ with jeans and a plaid flannel, or rock it over a mini dress with some flat ankle boots. We love the versatility of this trend, and how it adds instant edge and a pop of style.

Here, you’ll find a few of our favorites:

Juicy Couture just released their Perforated Leather Jacket in black. It’s classic, timeless, and can be worn with just about anything.

We usually think prep-tastic when it comes to J. Crew, but their  Aberdeen Distressed Leather Jacket is one of our top fall picks. It screams Marlon Brando in Easy Rider, and we love the big ol’ pockets on the front.

Sure, the black leather jacket is classic, but maybe you’d prefer leather with a softer look. Go for a brown or camel version (camel= unbelievably hot for fall) instead. We love this Kenna-T Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Tobacco.

This gray version by Gar-de blends chic (via the gorgeous charcoal gray color) with badass, thanks to zippers and a chunky buckle.

This next gray version, by Mara Hoffman, plays with the neckline, creating a more elegant shape that could easily accompany even the most luxe dress.

Image courtesy of shopsheboutique.com

Finally, the Shrunken Bomber by S.W.O.R.D is a modern take on the classic bomber jacket. We love it’s sexy, body-hugging silhouette.

Okay, YES. These jackets have a pretty high price point. But we’re firm believers that, especially with leather, paying a bit more is the difference between soft, supple, and durable and a crinkly piece that looks faux.

Our advice? Take some of that hard earned cash and hit the stores for the leather jacket that fits your personality and style. It will be well worth it.

–Kate

One afternoon, while trying to gather ideas for my next around-the-house project, I found an article that changed my perception of my future “dream  home.”  You see, I love fashion, I love clothes, I love styling my friends and family, designers…the whole industry. But when it comes to home decor, I am not as confident.  So I often jump online looking for home ideas and inspiration, hoping that our house will eventually exude the look and feel of “The Queeneys.”  It was with pure delight that I stumbled upon loftlife’s blog Rooms from the Runway.

Written by interior designer Cassandra LaValle, Rooms from the Runway brilliantly takes your favorite looks from designer fashion shows and creates home design based on your preferred styles.  I know!  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  So many times I have found myself looking at magazines, watching fashion shows and basically drooling. And now I can surround myself in that particular aesthetic. Amazing!

Once I found one picture, I simply couldn’t stop. Below are some of our favorite Rooms from the Runway translations.

In the example below, LaValle takes a look from Aquascutum’s fall runway show, and matches it to an actual bedroom to show how to crossover the look.  Who’s bedroom?  It’s actually a TETO favorite, Kate Spade.

Image courtesy of loftlife.com

The next look is LaValle’s translation of Masculine Modern. She took a look from Carlos Miele’s Fall 2009 runway show. Miele paired a classic evening gown with a gray leather jacket, mixing the looks of feminine and masculine, an aesthetic that works beautifully in a dining room.

image courtesy of loftlife.com

The next look comes from 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010 collection. Lim liberally paired peach and red in a few ensembles. How do you create a comfortable, yet stylish space using the two?

Image courtesy of loftlife.com

And finally, her are a few room that stilled my heart,  I am determined to execute them in my own home.  I am smitten with her translation of Alexis Mabille into a home office, and then of course Chanel and Balmain into a home entryway. Brilliant on every level.

image courtesy of loftlife.com

image courtesy of loftlife.com

image courtesy of loftlife.com

For a few more Rooms from the Runway, check out the loft life blog.

-Kate

Don’t get me wrong– I love, adore, worship my ballet flats. They’re my go-to summer shoe. I love their ease, their femininity, and their ability to look amazing with everything from skinny jeans to high-waisted shorts to sundresses. But after donning them almost exclusively last summer, I feel I need a little more variety in my Summer 2010 shoe collection.

Enter the driving moccasin. Sleek and sharp yet casual, it basically encapsulates the ease of summer. For me, it conjures up images of 1960s summer movies, where the heroine hops in a convertible with a scarf wrapped perfectly in her hair for a sunny drive along the coast. Like the ballet flat, it can easily be paired with skinny jeans or a dress, yet adds a more classic, masculine edge to a look. It’s got all the versatility of a penny loafer, with a million times more comfort. Plus, it goes perfectly with the nautical gear that’s all the rage this summer.

The best of the best in driving mocs? The Cole Haan Marcella Driver.

Image courtesy of colehaan.com

Simply gorgeous, the black leather is accented with a metal clasp, adding a little splash of modern to the traditional look, and the split sole is oh so comfy (and perfect for putting the pedal to the metal on those drives up the coast). At nearly $300, the shoe isn’t exactly budget-friendly. But with luxe Cole Haan craftsmanship, and an eminently classic design, a pair of driving moccasins will be a staple in your shoe collection for years to come.

–Molly